From Moshood Karim
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has issued a warning to politicians planning to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that the party has no political relevance or structure in the State.
Tenebe made the remarks shortly after the APC concluded its primary elections for the Ovia Federal Constituency and Edo Central Senatorial District by-elections.
“There is no ADC in Edo State. It simply does not exist,” he said pointedly. “I am also sending a message to those who call themselves ADC in Edo State: be very careful. The only other party we recognise in the State is the PDP — certainly not the ADC.”
He went further to caution political actors considering joining the ADC to leave the State entirely.
“If you want to identify with the ADC, you have to leave Edo for us. That is my message to all of them,” Tenebe declared.
Tenebe also lent his full support to recent comments by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who reportedly said that Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, should seek clearance before visiting Edo State.
The APC chairman defended the governor’s stance, citing what he described as widespread resentment towards Obi among certain political elements in the State.
“There has been criticism about Governor Okpebholo’s statement, but I believe he was right,” Tenebe said. “People in this State, including myself, have no love for Peter Obi. If he plans to visit, it is only proper that he informs the governor, so people like us can be warned in advance and possibly be sent out of town before he comes.”
Backing the governor’s comments without reservation, Tenebe dismissed opposing views as “rubbish” and reaffirmed the APC’s loyalty to Governor Okpebholo.
“He is correct, and we support whatever he says. Whatever anybody else is saying is just noise,” he concluded.
